World Voice Day is today (April 16th). The celebration of the World Voice Day is scattered around the globe, including concerts, symposia, open houses at voice clinics and voice education institutes, TV shows, radio programs etc. ESHC is celebrating by bringing you some important facts of your voice, and ways in which you can protect it!
The Facts
- 7.5 million people in the United States suffer from a variety of voice disorders, many of which are avoidable.
- Your voice portrays your personality and emotions
- People can make judgments about you based on your voice
- Problems with voice can greatly affect someone’s life
- People who have jobs with high speaking demands are more at risk for voice disorders (teachers, actors, lawyers, etc.)
- The way singers use their voice during speaking can have an affect on their singing voice
Protecting Your Voice
- Drink plenty of water—well-hydrated tissue is less prone to damage.
- Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption—both are dehydrating.
- Use a humidifier if the air is dry.
- Avoid irritants such as cigarette smoke, fumes and dust.
- If you have frequent reflux (heartburn), see a physician promptly, to avoid potential vocal cord damage.
- Avoid yelling and screaming—such as at sports games.
- Avoid straining your voice by talking excessively to overcome background noise.
- Take frequent voice breaks if your job demands long periods of speaking.
- If you speak to groups, and have to project your voice, use a microphone.
- Minimize frequent throat clearing.
- If an upper respiratory infection has made your voice hoarse, limit talking.